It's that time again. Well, this year a slightly different time, with a new home at the end of October, but other than that it's business as usual for the 36th Cambridge Film Festival. It's become an annual highlight for me, which could only be improved if the Arts Picturehouse gave in to my continual pleading and allowed me to move my bed in. But if you're a festival novice, maybe you're feeling a little unsure as to how to get the best from it? Allow me to help with my top 12 tips that will make your perfect marriage with the festival.

1. Something old. Retrospectives for Ingrid Bergman, Michael Curtiz and classic silent films all represent a chance to catch classic and rare films as they're meant to be seen: on the big screen.

2. Something new. 45 UK premieres give you the chance to discover something before everyone else. Don't be afraid to dig into the programme to find something interesting you haven't heard of (yet): to help, I've made a list here of ALL the films showing. http://boxd.it/Ogh4

3. Something borrowed. It's not just about the Arts Picturehouse, with several other venues, so try to get to more than one if you can.

4. Something gold. Plenty of films that will be in contention in 2017's awards season are being previewed, including opening film I, Daniel Blake as well as Manchester By The Sea, Paterson, Sully, Toni Erdmann, Into The Inferno and many more.

5. Something worldly . With festival strands on Catalan, German, Korean, African and European first films, you can become an expert on a branch of world cinema in a week! Why not pick a strand you've not tried before?

6. Something live. Don't miss the chance to experience the extra dimension offered by live musical accompaniment, with Neil Brand returning and other live music accompanying classic silent films as well.

7. Something chatty. There will be a host of Q & A sessions with film makers from the featured films; when else do you get the chance to pick the brains at the cutting edge of the film industry?

8. Something cheap. If you're seeing eight or more films, a Picturehouse membership will pay for itself before the festival is up. Get a festival pass for even greater savings.

9. Something comfy. Pitch up at the Arts for a whole day with a late night strand you could get five or six films in and food and drink at the bar mean you don't have to leave the building all day!

10. Something thoughtful. I'll be helping with coverage on local radio (including hosting Bums On Seats at noon on 22nd October on Cambridge 105), as well as writing for Take One and my own blog.

11. Something short. The short film programmes can sometimes be overlooked, which is a crying shame as they mix film's brightest talent with new and local stars. You get to see half a dozen films for the price of one - what could be better?

12. Something connected. Follow @camfilmfest and @camfamfilm on Twitter for updates during the festival, and me at @movieevangelist - and stop me for a chat if you see me!